One of the more controversial NFL-related stories from January involved Cleveland Browns
rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders being added to the Pro Bowl Games roster as a replacement for New England Patriots starter Drake Maye.
The Athletic’s Mike Sando pointed out that Sanders’ involvement is yet the latest instance of “Pro Bowl dilution.” For a piece published on Monday, Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated spoke with NFL coaches and executives about Sanders being part of Pro Bowl festivities that others players have decided to skip.
Pro Bowl used to mean more to players and coaches
“The NFL screwed up when they gave the fans a vote,” one unnamed NFC coach said. “The most popular guy on TikTok goes to the Pro Bowl now. When it was coaching and players voting, it meant a lot more.”
Even ESPN personalities have acknowledged that Sanders being part of the Pro Bowl is largely a publicity stunt meant to attract eyes to something more and more casual football fans ignore with each passing year. While the Browns won three of seven games that Sanders started, the numbers show he probably should only be part of the Pro Bowl while visiting friends as a spectator.
Per Pro Football Reference, Sanders ranked last in the league among qualified players with a 56.6 percent completion percentage, 41st with a 68.1 passer rating and 40th with an 18.9 adjusted QBR. Over eight total appearances, he recorded seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions.
“The Pro Bowl definitely has taken a hit,” an AFC coach told Manzano. “I don’t know what it truly is, but it doesn’t hold the same weight, I don’t think. The honor of the actual award, maybe, but definitely not playing in the game or attending the event.”
Pro Bowl nods no longer mean much for legacies of players
It wasn’t all that long ago when the number of Pro Bowl appearances attached to a player’s resume could help him regarding Hall of Fame candidacy or during contract negotiations. As one unnamed NFL front office executive pointed out, those days are long gone.
“I think [the Pro Bowl] still has some weight, but certainly less overall and not in contract talks,” that executive said. “It’s not like Shedeur can claim he made the Pro Bowl [when it comes to contract negotiations]. Maybe original ballots, some, but even then it’s limited.”
Some understandably have said the NFL should just get rid of the Pro Bowl entirely. While the NFC coach disagrees with such takes, the coach also admitted that holding a flag football game is “probably not” the best way for the NFL to feature its all-star players during an event.
“I’m not sure what the solution is,” the coach added.
Clearly, others within the NFL also have no good solution for how to legitimize the Pro Bowl in a world where players don’t want to risk their health while taking part in what is basically a meaningless game.